Panthers' owner Viner: If we win, fans will return

Owner recognizes lockout tough on fans and business but believes new CBA will benefit franchise

George Parros of the Anaheim Ducks warms up prior to a game against the Pittsburgh…

January 15, 2013|By Craig Davis, Staff Writer

BOCA RATON — As a season-ticket holder turned team owner, Cliff Viner has a strong sense of the challenge facing the Florida Panthers in the aftermath of the NHL lockout.

The labor dispute that delayed the season by three months cost his franchise the momentum of its first division championship and end of a 10-season playoff drought. The Boca Raton businessman is also well aware that some fans feel victimized by the process.

"I'm sure there are people who are disgruntled," Viner said Tuesday. "My view is that if we get off to a decent start … we'll grab all those people that were on the fence that we couldn't engage before."

Early indications are that hockey fans are eager to re-engage with their sport. Panthers officials are hopeful of a sellout for Saturday's opener against Carolina at the BB&T Center. Since the schedule was set last Saturday night, ticket have been selling at a pace comparable to the playoffs last year, according to Panthers spokesman Matt Sacco.

Everyone attending the game will receive a Southeast Division championship mini-banner like the one that will be raised to the rafters before the game. Original season-ticket holders will be on the ice during the player introductions, and other initiatives intended to help the team reconnect with fans are planned for opening night and continuing through the 48-game season.

"We know it's difficult for the fans. Believe me, I'm the No. 1 fan," Viner said. "Our fans, I'm sure, wanted that momentum [of last season] to continue. The other side was we wanted it to continue because it was very good for business. And to have it stop was tough."

The lockout took a major bite out of the opening of Club Red. The Panthers invested $7.7 million in the plush premium lounge that offers gourmet dining and drinks as well as the best seats in the house overlooking center ice. Memberships go for about $16,500 annually for all arena events, though hockey-only and concert-only plans are also offered.

Sacco said more than half of the 600 memberships have been sold, but Viner expressed concerned about how numerous empty prime seats will look on television broadcasts.

The owner is confident the product on the ice will revive the excitement that accompanied last season's playoff run.

"I'm optimistic. We've got the guys, and I think we've added a few nice pieces that could really help us this year," he said. "If [rookie Jonathan] Huberdeau is very good and you have a fellow like Peter Mueller, who is a very skilled player as well, we'll score more goals."

While the prolonged labor negotiation was distasteful and costly, Viner believes the new collective bargaining agreement, including the 50-50 revenue split between teams and player salaries, will be helpful to the Panthers' financial well-being. For fans, the benefit is knowing there will be labor peace for the next 10 years.

"I think it's a fair balance and I think everybody is happy to play under this balance," Viner said, noting that the agreement was ratified by all 30 owners and 98 percent of the players.

Nonetheless, he acknowledged that business and opportunities were lost. Having a 10-year agreement affords time for building long-term. For the team on the ice, the urgency is greater.

"You've got to perform as an organization. The easiest way for people to recognize it is on the ice," Viner said.